How to Extend the Life of Your Tools With These Simple Tricks
It doesn't matter if you're a weekend DIYer or a gardener, everyone wants their tools to last more than just one season. The truth is that most tools don't wear out, they’re neglected! Rust, built up gunk, dull blades, and moisture are the quiet killers of everything from hammers to hedge trimmers. But the good news is that a little upkeep goes a long way. Read on and learn some simple tricks to keep your tools in top shape for years to come, and save yourself from having to buy replacements down the line.
Clean After Every Use (Yes, Every Time)
It sounds like a lot of work, but cleaning after every use is the easiest way to keep tools in good shape. Dirt holds moisture, and moisture leads to rust. Whether it's a shovel caked in soil or a sawdust-covered drill, giving tools a quick wipe-down after use helps them last longer.
Pro tip: For gardening tools, rinse off the mud and dry them immediately. For hand tools, a quick rub with a rag can wipe away debris. And if there’s any sap or grease, a little mineral spirits or WD-40 should do the trick.
Keep Rust at Bay With a Touch of Oil
Rust doesn't just make tools look bad, it destroys edges, creates friction, and shortens their lifespan a lot. Keep rust off by coating metal surfaces with a thin layer of oil after you've finished cleaning.
What to use: You don’t need anything fancy. Vegetable oil works in a pinch, but mineral oil, 3-in-1 oil, or a silicone-based spray offer better long-term protection. Wipe off any excess oil to avoid sticky buildup.
Sharpen Blades Regularly
A dull blade doesn't just make your job harder—it can actually damage the tool. Dull pruners crush stems instead of slicing cleanly and a dull axe is way more dangerous to use than a sharp one.
Quick sharpening tips:
-Use a metal file or sharpening stone.
-Match the existing angle of the blade edge.
-Always move in one direction (don’t saw back and forth).
Doing this, even just a few times each season, can extend the life of your cutting tools by a few years.
Store Tools the Right Way
Leaving tools on the floor of your garage or tossed randomly into a bin is a recipe for damage. Moisture damage, built-up grime, and accidental dings are more likely to happen if your storage setup is messy.
Do this instead:
-Hang tools on pegboards or use magnetic strips for metal tools.
-Keep outdoor tools in a dry shed or store them in a sealed storage box.
-For extra protection, consider hanging hand tools in a bucket of sand mixed with a little motor oil. Yes, seriously! The sand helps clean the tools and the oil keeps them from rusting.
Handle the Handles
Wooden handles crack, splinter, or rot over time if not properly cared for. But with a little attention, they can last just as long as the metal parts. Follow the care tips below to keep wooden handles from wearing out.
Here's how:
-Sand off splinters or rough patches.
-Rub down the handles with boiled linseed oil once or twice a year to condition the wood.
-Store tools vertically to keep pressure off the handles.
Taking care of your tools doesn't have to be a lot of work, you just have to do a little here and there. A few extra minutes at the end of each project can save you hours of work (and so much money). When you treat your tools with respect, they return the favor—staying sharp, reliable, and ready to help with all of your future projects.